della Q Knitting + Sewing Essentials

Although we have very sad news at della Q, we want to rave about the good times.  Damsel Lucy, our kitty princess, passed away.  As I mentioned in one of our first posts, she was older than knitting itself.  She would have been nineteen in May.  Not, nine, but nineteen!

Damsel Lucy at her desk at della Q

She has been with della Q since the beginning.  I’m sure she loved the fact that della Q launched.  It ensured she received attention throughout the entire day rather than just in the evening.  She  loved to contribute her two cents – usually when we were on an important call.  She loved the sun.  She loved my Japanese Red Blood Grass which never grew more than three or four inches due to her nibbles.  She loved popcorn.  She hated to be picked up.  She loved to sit on your lap or behind your back on your chair while working on the computer.

She brought us laughter when she stood up to Damsel Lucky or when she moved quickly (which wasn’t very often) and her stomach udder swayed from side to side.

She lived a great life and brought joy to us (well, maybe not Lucky) at della Q.  Damsel Lucy, we will miss you.

It isn’t $1 million (you’ll have to play the lottery for that prize) but you can win a della Q needle case each month from WEBS.  I suspect they will include a few extra goodies with the case. This month, they are giving away The Que ®.

Yes, it is bribery on both of our parts.  You need to comment on my blog AND comment on WEBS blog.  You’ve probably done more than post a comment for lesser things.

To get the ball rolling let us know what you’d like to see in future della Q products or just say “I want to win!”.  Don’t forget to comment on the WEBS blog.

If you still need a distractions from work, take our survey and tell us about your needle stash.  It will take between four and ten minutes to complete depending upon how long you are trying to avoid work.  Your answers to the survey help us develop better products for you.

Good luck!

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What a whirlwind!  Thank you to all of you who stopped by our booth.  I enjoyed not only meeting you, but seeing some of your well organized needles in a della Q case.

What I Bought:  One pair of circular Signature Needles, Size 5 – there goes my wine budget for the month – but it was worth it.

What I Ate:  Bad food (Nachos, Chocolate Croissants, Nachos, Twix, Nachos)

What I Coveted:  A bump of Big Stitch Yarn from BagSmith.  You don’t hold this in your hand, you hold it in your arms.  It the size of a toddler.

Who I Hung With:  Folks from Webs, JimmyBeansWool, Skacel, Kollage, and Habu Textiles.

After Stitches, I took a class with Rick Mondragon, the Editor of Knitter’s.

Rick Mondragon, Editor of Knitter's Magazine

The class was a bit over my head to say the least.  This is why you buy my needle cases and not any of my knitting!  Thank you to those who sat next to me in class and put up with my questions.  Despite my struggles I learned a ton of cool techniques including knitting backwards.  I think I need to focus on knitting forwards for now.

I had so much fun that I’ve decided to attend Stitches South (April 22 – 25 ), Stitches Midwest (August 19 -22 ) and Stitches East (October 28 – 31  ).  I hope to meet you!

della Q Knitting della Q Textiles della Q Outlet

Our straight needle roll will make you want to shop for more knitting needles.  The case holds 60 (yes, 60!) sets of straight knitting needles.  Double points, ten inch needles, 14 inch and even those long Brittany 14 inch needles which are really 15 inches with their top cap – they all fit.

della Q Straight Needle Roll Inside

There are three rows of 20 slots each.  The bottom row holds the shorter needles (pocket depth of 5 3/4 inches).  The middle row is for your 10″ needles (pocket depth of 8 1/4 inches).  The top row is for your longest needles (pocket depth of 11 inches).  There is an additional space of 4 1/2 inches from the edge of the top pocket to the top of the case.

The width of the pockets are based upon the needle size and are large enough to accommodate three full rows.  The first 19 pockets are dual numbered, the last pocket is left blank in case you have a fourth set of a certain size. Pocket numbering includes:

US 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 10.75, 11, 13, 15, 17
Metric 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

della Q Straight Needle Roll Close Up Numbers

A top flap folds down to hold the needles in place before you roll it up.  The case rolls up to securely hold all those needles.

della Q Straight Needle Roll

Check out a video of this product.

Straight Needle Roll Video

Width Open:  24.5 inches

Height With Flap Down:  15.5 inches

Height With Flap Open:  22.5 inches

Color Options:  Purple, Brown, Mauve, Seafoam, Ocean, Pink, Red

Retail Price:  $46.00.  Order it now!

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If you are a yarn store retailer planning to attend the Yarn Market Conference March 13th through the 16th, we hope that you will spend a bit of extra time in Seattle. Additional information will be provided closer to the conference, but I wanted to give you some information for those sights/events that you might need to plan in advance.

For the Knitter Who Loves to Garden

Visit the Bloedel Reserve a 150 acre reserve on Bainbridge Island where you can enjoy nature through quiet walks in the gardens and woodlands. Even though March still sees snow in much of the US, this is the start of our spring. The reserve requests, but does not require, reservations (206.842.7631). Since the reserve is located on Bainbridge Island, you will want to take a ferry and then take a taxi ($20 each way). If you are planning to attend the Churchmouse Yarn and Tea Social on Sunday, you may want to visit the reserve before that event as they are also located on Bainbridge Island. What a great day it could be – a ferry ride, a garden tour, a yarn social, a return ferry ride and then off to the conference cocktail hour!

For the Knitter Who Loves to Run

Sunday, March 14th – The annual St. Paddy’s Day Dash is the largest St. Patrick’s Day fun run in the country with over 15,000 runners, walkers and crawlers completing the 3.7 mile course.  A bash follows the run which includes food, music and beer (bring your ID!).  With so many runners, you often shuffle the first 1.5 miles.  Dress up and join the fun!  I’ll be participating.  Come join me.  There is NO race day registration or packet pick-up.  Packets must be picked up on Friday or Saturday before the race.  Alternatively, let me know and I can pick up your info if you register online.

For the Knitter Who Loves Wine

Consider taking a tour of the Walla Walla wine region which touts 100 wineries with about 80 tasting rooms.  It isn’t high season, but plenty of wineries are still open for tasting.  You’ll either need to rent a car for the half-day drive or take a quick flight.  For more info visit an earlier posting of a tour I took last fall.

For the Knitter Who is Undecided

Want to stay a few extra days, but not sure where to go?  Check out Sunset, my favorite local magazine’s travel section for a few ideas.

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fibre space

fibre space™
www.fibrespace.com
102 N. Fayette Street Alexandria, VA 22314
703-664-0344
Danielle Romanetti

Most Unique Product in Your Store: Molly Miller By Appointment handspun yarns. Molly is an Old Town resident who makes amazing handspun fibres. We are lucky to have her yarns in our shop.

Three words to describe your store atmosphere: Funky, Retro, Fresh

Top Knitting Tip: Keep challenging yourself! As knitters, we are always learning something new.

Interesting anecdote about your city/town: Historic Old Town Alexandria is the home two “adult” stores, which have made national news in the last year. They are nestled between antique shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Basis for your store name: I was looking for a name that fit with the atomic age and retro theme of our shop interior. fibre space™, which plays on “cyber space” seemed to be a good fit. It also allowed us to be knit and crochet friendly, because it doesn’t specify either one.

Favorite store fixture: 1950’s kitchen table and chairs, which are our classroom table. Many customers comment on how they had the same set in their homes when they were children.

Looks like fun!

Favorite della Q Product: The Que – nothing organizes a giant circular needle mess better!

Approximate number skeins in store: Well, my inventory system says 10,221 as of this morning.

Knitting is like: therapy

Why customers love your store: “i shop at fibre space because of the terrific variety of yarns you offer and the friendly, inclusive atmosphere you create in your shop.” ~Beth G.

della Q Knitting           della Q Textiles           della Q Outlet

You spoke, we listened, we might have dawdled for awhile, but now we have acted.  Some users of The Que®, our flagship circular needle case, have complained about needles falling out of the pockets. Of course, I blame it on the slippery needles and not our case.   I think it is mostly a concern if you have non-wood needles or have over-packed your case.

Recommendations from greater knitters like yourself included adding a snap or velcro (gasp!) to the top of the pocket to secure the needles. To be clear, you will NEVER see Velcro® in any della Q product. Yarn and Velcro® do not mix. Our solution?  A flap.  Enter stage right. . .The Que® Secure.  You can either close the flap over the pocket or tuck it into the pocket like an envelope.

Close Up of The Que Lily - Secure

This feature is available in either The Que® Theo, our solid color collection, or The Que® Lily, our stripe collection.

The Que Secure Open

The cases are numbered:

US: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
Metric: 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

They have a zip pocket behind the last pocket flap.

The Que Lily Secure

If you are not familiar with our circular needle case watch this quick video.

The case will be available in stores sometime in March.  Pre-order now to ensure you are one of the first to receive either The Que® Secure in solid colors or stripes.

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Welcome

www.hopscotchquiltshop.com
1401 20th Ave
Coaldale, Alberta.
Canada T1M 1A2
(403) 345-3910
info@hopscotchquiltshop.com
Owner(s):  Heather and Elissa Willms

Most Unique Product in Your Store: Besides silk, we just brought the complete line of Go Cutters from Accuquilt.  These little suitcase size goodies will accurately cut fabric with the turn of a handle.  We love them because they will be great for our kids quilting classes as well as for adult use.

Three words to describe your store atmosphere: Warm, friendly, inspiring

Interesting anecdote about your city/town: Coaldale has the Birds of Prey center which is a rescue center for injured birds of prey.  One of Elissa’s friends has a summer job there taking care of the mice that feed all the birds – how weird is that for a summer job?

Basis for your store name: We named the shop after a quilt block.  Since Elissa was 15 when she opened the shop, we thought it reflected her age as well as being a great block.  We usually design a project each anniversary sale using the Hopscotch Block.  That pattern is available free for the year.

Favorite store fixture: We love our old doors.  We hang all kinds of things on them.  Hopscotch started small.  In the beginning it was only open 2 afternoons a week and Saturday.  That’s because the owner was in high school.  When we opened friends lent us all kinds of chairs, tables and trunks to display fabric and we have kept most of them in the shop.  We hauled in some old doors that add character and are useful for everything from quilts to buttons!

Door of Buttons

Approximate number bolts in store: Around 1500.  The shop is divided into bright fabrics (for Elissa) and coutnry primitive fabrics (for Heather).  Besides cotton, we also stock wool, silk, flannel and batiks.  All of these come in the two colorways: bright and dark.

Silks and more silks

Wool

Favorite della Q product: The stripe silks – they are amazing and we can’t wait to add more!

Interesting information about us:

• Elissa started the shop when she was 15 years old.  After high school she spent a winter in England and when she came home she opened the shop full time.
• Hopscotch has a pattern line and has published one book:  Christmas Quilts From Hopscotch and has a second book coming out in March: Double Take: Quilts with that Hopscotch Twist.  Most of our patterns are one design or idea and then two approaches to the project (bright and dark).
• We are a mother/daughter design team and dad does all the books!
• We are in the process of publishing a selection of quilting patterns to be used with della Q silk!
• Our biggest fear used to be that someone would like to publish a photo tour of our studio.  This past summer we redid the studio and we are ready for the photo tour and love working in our new space!

della Q Knitting           della Q Textiles           della Q Outlet

Our next few blog postings will highlight our new products for Spring 2010. These products will be in your local yarn store in March.  They are also available for pre-order on our site.

The first new product includes space for your interchangeable needles as well as small circulars.  Most interchangeable needle sets do not include tips for sizes less than a US 2 (2.75 mm).  Therefore, you have had to store or carry your interchangeables and your smallest circulars in two separate carrying cases.  Not any longer!

Dual Interchangeable and Circular Needle Case

The case includes three distinct sections.  A top, a middle and bottom.  The middle is a page that lifts up or down.

Outside View

The top section holds your interchangeable tips.  The photo above includes both tips from the Hiya Hiya and Addi Click sets.  The pocket depth is deep enough for longer tips but not too deep for shorter tips.  They are just right!

Each pocket is dual numbered:

US 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 10.75, 11, 13, 15, 17
Metric 2.75, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12

Dual Numbers (US and Metric)

Top Section for Tips

The middle section includes 6 pages that are pockets (see photo below) for your cords.  They are not numbered because there are so many different cord lengths for all the different brands.  Alternatively, you could store your circulars here.

Behind the last page is a zip pocket for storing any connectors or tools your interchangeable set requires.

Middle Section for storing cords or circulars

Pockets

Zip pocket for connectors or tools

The last section includes two rows of pockets with four pockets each.  Store your circulars here along with extra large tips (US 19).  Alternatively, you could store your cords here.

Bottom section

Dimensions:  13.5″ w x 7.5 “h (closed)

Color Options:  Purple, Brown, Mauve, Seafoam, Ocean, Pink, Red

Retail Price:  $42.00.  Order it now!

What do you think?

della Q Knitting           della Q Textiles           della Q Outlet

Shame on me!  I think I just made the biggest error of a blogger.  I failed to post in more than a month!  This is assuming anyone really cares what we have been up to at della Q.  I’m going to assume that someone other than my mother cares.  It is just better for my ego.

I’ll be posting our new products for Spring 2010 next week.  Before I get to that I thought I’d provide the quickest photo summary (think of a bee on steroids) of the last few weeks.

Bobbie knit these for my birthday. So cool!

Here is the pattern on Knitty.com.

Birthday sushi platter at Wasabi Bistro in Seattle. Yummy. Great sushi place.

Knitting a blanket on the plane to Mexico. Why did I bring a blanket to Mexico?! Take note of the della Q Eden drawstring. Great way to ensure your yarn isn't rolling down the aisle.

Check out the many Eden Drawstring options.

della Q Knitting           della Q Textiles           della Q Outlet